Maps

[out4blood]

I've bee researching a few of the mapping websites that produce "hunting maps". It seems that most of them produce the same products. I work as a GIS analyst and have at my disposal the most widely used and advanced mapping software available (ESRI ARCMap), as well as a wealth of data related to GMU's, terrain, vegetation, hydrology, roads, trails, land ownership, public land survey, topographic maps, aerials, DEM, and hillshade. I am always collecting data so let me know what you are interested in and I will take note.

 

I am also a Grad student at ASU and am contemplating building my own mapping website that is Arizona specific.

I know what I like to see on the maps that I make for my own hunts, but I would like to know what kind of things you would look for or would deem useful. I am thinking of starting this project in January with the hope of having it done by mid summer. I'm thinking of offering annual memberships, with the ability to print as many maps as you want. You would also be able to purchase individual maps. I'm certain I can create better maps that any existing sites. I'm grateful for any feedback you can give.

 

I prefer 1:24,000 Topo as my background, what does everyone else like?

 

I can create an example if anyone is curious. (I will need to email it to you)

 

I'm grateful for any feedback you can give. Please reply if you have any questions or an interest in a site like this.

 

Thanks

[Chef]

Good quality, heavy stock, waterproof paper.

Attention to detail such as UPDATED roads and construction.

Offer and print multiple units (as individual maps) with unit boundaries marked.

Include hill-shading

UTM grid

 

There is a lot of free information on the web.

It would be nice to have it all put together for a hunter, by a hunter.

On an easy to use/read/understand package.

 

Good luck on your venture and welcome to the site.

 

We do have a sponsor that manufactures high quality maps with a lot of the aforementioned qualities.

They are the best maps for Az as of yet. Not perfect but way better than what was available already printed.

 

http://www.flatlinemaps.com/

 

Check them out.

[bstpeter]

I went scouting this weekend with another member of CWT and he happened to have the Flatlinemap so I had a chance to see it. The contours and terrain were easy to see and it made it nice to navigate off some high areas down into the canyons with out having to use ropes..lol we were in some really steep stuff. Not that there isn't room for different styles or more information but if you can make a product better..why not if you come up with a map that shows where the Coues are you'll be rich. I'll i've seen is a few piles of poop:-)

[coyotekid]

It would be nice to have it all put together for a hunter, by a hunter.

On an easy to use/read/understand package.

 

Good luck on your venture and welcome to the site.

 

We do have a sponsor that manufactures high quality maps with a lot of the aforementioned qualities.

They are the best maps for Az as of yet. Not perfect but way better than what was available already printed.

 

http://www.flatlinemaps.com/

 

Check them out.

 

I love this map. I cant wait until they have the whole state finished. I've known Jimmy for a long time, and even he will tell you his map aint perfect but its darn close. If you get one of these maps for 6A or get one in the future for other units and have suggestions or have input on map updates I know he will be glad to listen to you and use your comments to get you a better product.

 

-sam

[Rio]

I currently use 3 different software packages, Garmins Topo, NatGeo Maps, and huntinggpsmaps.com for land status and better terrain mapping on my gps. Between these 3 software packages, I get most everything I want.

 

Although not as big of an issue in AZ, Land Status is a big one for me, especially if I'm in other states like NM as the trespass laws are much different (and tougher), HuntingGPSmaps.com is great for this and it's loadable onto my GPS unit. It also has very good terrain/elevation information.

 

Between Garmin and NatGeo, I get most of the structure information that I want, like roads, water, peak elevation, etc. I'll print specific maps from NatGeo with way points from both Garmin and Natgeo to use on hunts.

 

If you could combine all three into one, that you could print individual maps from as well as load to your GPS, I think you'd have the complete package.

 

From what you've described above, it sounds like you'd be able to add even more information which would be usefull as well.

 

I also have the 6a Flatline map, it's a nice map of the Unit, and as mentioned earlier had good visual information on the terrain, but I think it could benefit from some additional information. The biggest benefit of the map is having the entire unit available with a lot of information on it.

[CouesPursuit]

Is that you Ed?

 

Ed is out for blood!

[Red Rabbit]

Contour lines

Vegetation/timber/open area shading ( i do not think shaded contour relief would work well with vegetation shading also)

ALL the BLM/FS roads with numbers (not just the few that USFS show on their public maps) You might have to wait until the USFS finalizes their travel management plans to see what roads are still open.

All the earthen and trick tanks with names.

Land ownership

UTM and lat/long grids

declination angle

house/building symbols

streams, springs, seeps, windmills, water tanks

hiking trails

wilderness boundaries

[out4blood]

These are all helpful suggestions. Thanks and keep them coming. If I start making maps what units would everyone be interested in?

[Rio]

These are all helpful suggestions. Thanks and keep them coming. If I start making maps what units would everyone be interested in?

 

All units and multiple states, say the western states.

 

[Red Rabbit]

If I start making maps what units would everyone be interested in?

 

Might look at the units that offer the most hunt permits for all species combined to optimize sales. Probably 6A, 1, 7, 33, 23 ( i have not added numbers)

[justin_birch]

These are all helpful suggestions. Thanks and keep them coming. If I start making maps what units would everyone be interested in?

34a and 35a

[DEF110]

I like http://www.huntunits.com/arizona. They have hunt unit information that is helpfull if you have not hunted the unit.

[out4blood]

So I have been working on some maps and I have vegetation data. What would you deem more useful; seeing the vegetation classified by species ie, Oak, Aspen, Juniper, grassland: or see the density of the entire forest canopy? Thanks for the input.

[My Rights As An American]

I will test both versions for you as your first customer and provide feedback. I will go strictly by your maps, provide feedback and recommendations and do it all for free for one unit. Let me know, and I will be your guinea pig! My hunt starts next week, so this offer lasts only through the weekend!

[out4blood]

I will have to make the maps, What Unit?